Saudi satellite TV channel Al-Arabiya reports that cyberwar is breaking out over various affronts deemed offensive to Muslims.
While this is, in a sense, countering speech with more speech, it’s unfortunately illegal under criminal statutes concerning computer crimes.
‘Arab Electronic Army’ attacks Western websites over anti-Islam film
Mustapha Ajbaili | Al ArabiyaHackers from several Arab countries calling themselves “Arab Electronic Army” have invaded several Western websites in response to an American film that slanders Islam and prompted worldwide anger.
One of the hackers, who identified himself as Ridouan (hacker alias RéD-Zàr) from Morocco, wrote in an email sent to Al Arabiya English that the hacking operations were part of a “campaign to defend Allah’s prophet.”
“The army was recently formed and we have started to work as a team after we used to work individually.”
He identified some of his fellow hackers as Abdel Haq from Morocco (pro-psd), Saudi Hacker (wesker Hacker) Alaa from Syria (Alaa Alsory), Khaled from Syria (Connect-r Syrian).
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September:21:2012 - 11:56
It’s not just ordinary hackers; there are national governments involved too. To channel the anger more manageably Pakistan declared today a national holiday (“Ishq-e-Rasool (pbuh) day”) so people can demonstrate against the insulting film, then cut off cellphone service and many internet connections so the mobs couldn’t co-ordinate with one another.
Last I checked, cinemas and churches have been burned, banks robbed, hundreds of people injured and fourteen killed, including two policemen. The U.S. ambassador was called in for a dressing-down, and major politicians are demanding banning “hate speech against Islam.” link
September:21:2012 - 13:36
@Solomon2: Exactly right. And how many Muslims (I’ll assume they’re good Muslims) have been killed in the name of ‘righteous anger’?
September:21:2012 - 14:17
John, you once posted an article about how the KSA employs a legion of internet commenters to counter Islamic extremism. Is another legion deployed to battle against Western freedoms as well?
September:22:2012 - 02:02
“unfortunately illegal” “unfortunately”?? that’s an odd way of putting it…
September:22:2012 - 07:23
@Marnie: My point was only that attacking computer networks is a criminal action. It’s not the same as burning a consulate or killing a diplomat, but it is illegal. It would be better if legal tactics were used.